Over the past few months we have heard several people voice concern about us taking our children to Uganda Africa. It is an important question and we feel we should address it.
It is our strong conviction that God has called our whole family to minister among the Karamojong in Uganda. He did not call one but he has called all. In speaking to any of our three oldest children you would see that God has a specific call for each of our children. Joshua talks about how he wants to go to the villages with Daddy to tell the people about Jesus; Janaya asks if she can read to the kids in the orphanage; Samuel talks about how he would like to help the people there however he says he will miss hotdogs. Carter and Malachi are too young to understand but Carter has declared he would like to help people in Uganda.
Another strong conviction we have is that America is not our children’s salvation. John Piper puts it well when he says that Jesus saves us from the American dream. We have lived our lives and will continue to live our lives in such a way that our children can see that Jesus Christ is God. And our lives are lived serving Him. Over the past 4 years we have served here in the states but put no limits on how far we will follow God. The call to go to Karamoja was birthed from scripture and prayer on both of our parts.
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of our head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all of his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, “what shall we eat?” or “what shall we drink?” or “what shall we wear?” For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:26-33.
These are just 2 instances of the many, where God shows us that He is in control and that He cares for us. We have come to understand that God cares for our children far more than we ever could. He can be trusted.
In Him,
Michaela and Cody
Great post and thoughtful answer to those questions, Michaela and Cody. I think people who haven't traveled much are particularly concerned that other places cannot possibly be not safe. I know it's out of love for you and your family that they are concerned. If you weren't convinced that this is God's path for you, you would become fearful.
ReplyDeleteIn America, we are a country of people who places an extremely high value on safety. God has not called us to a place of physical safety, but to a place of eternal security! When we place our lives ... literally ... in HIs hands, we are telling Him that He can do as He wills with our bodies because we trust Him for the outcome, whatever that may be. That's because our belief in the life to come is stronger than our belief in this life. With that understanding, comes the responsibility to do our part. After that, we rest assured that when we are in the very center of His will, we are and will be safe forever.
Thank God that apostle Paul and others were willing to take the risk to get the message out. Had they not been willing to risk all, we'd all be "sitting in the dark," both physically and spiritually.
I commend you for "offering your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—for this is your spiritual act of worship." Romans 12
Praise be to His Name forever and ever.
Your friend who met you on vacation in Mexico,
Roxanne : ))
As I have said to you before, your children are safer in Africa doing the will of God than here in the states outside of the will of God. There is provision and protection in Him! Try to remember when the attacks seems so personal that those who would say that their concerns are for your children's safety are really concerned about the safety of their own hearts.
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for what God has called you too and look forward to being a part in some way!
A missionary once told me "There is no safer place to be then in God's will." And I know you two are following in God's will. We cannot question the will of God, no matter what the costs are or how scary it may look. God is God no matter where you are or what you are doing. He WILL protect them there just as He would here. I admire all of you and LOVE your hearts of obedience. Let your courage, faithfulness and love for the lost people be an example to us all.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for your encouragement in different scriptures and in faith. It means a lot to us!
ReplyDeleteMichaela,
ReplyDeleteYour post was so encouraging to read and your dear friends' comments just kept the encouragement going. :) I can definitely tell you guys have some mighty prayer warriors behind and beside you. :) The faith that you guys have helps to strengthen my faith as well. I'm so blessed to have y'all as a part of my family. Praying for y'all and can't wait for y'all to get to Karamoja!